BANFF, Alberta, July 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iconic Sunshine Village has launched an outreach campaign and website asking Canadians to provide comments to Parks Canada to modify the draft plan it has developed which will guide development of the resort for decades to come.
Parks Canada’s draft plan, called “Site Guidelines”, is currently in public review. Comments are being accepted until August 19. Sunshine Village asked for the deadline to be extended, as many skiers are away on summer holidays, however the request was rejected by Parks Canada.
The Parks Canada plan fails to address the resort’s major issues such as parking, secondary access lift from the base area, and removes ski terrain presently skied and lifts that have been planned for years. Such as Bye Bye Bowl, Meadow Park, and Wildside.
“Presently there are several gaps in the Parks Canada draft plan that if changed would make it work result in stronger environmental gains, and a better visitor experience,” said Dave Riley, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
“We have reviewed the draft site guidelines and the changes we at Sunshine are proposing offer better options for a secondary lift access out of the base area and better parking options for National Park guests that do not impact wildlife corridors or lands designated wilderness,” added Riley.
As part of the consultation process, Parks Canada says it will listen to what people have to say about the draft site guidelines including Sunshine’s proposed satellite parking lot located on roadside right-of way leading up to the resort. None of the land is zoned wilderness.
Parks Canada commits it will “compile, review and carefully analyse all public comments which will inform the final version of the Sunshine Village Ski Area Site Guidelines.”
“We are one of Canada’s most famous resorts both domestically and internationally. The Parks Canada plan will guide the resort until at least 2060. It is important we get it right for the environment and Canadians,” said Riley. “We ask Canadians to review our reasonable options and encourage Parks Canada to adopt them.”
Sunshine has launched a website that illustrates all the issues with Parks Canada’s draft plan and proposes solutions. It can be found at www.sunshinesiteguidelines.com The website has both summary and detailed information and provides an easy way to provide comments to Parks Canada and elected officials.
“This year Sunshine celebrates its 90th season. Over the past 90 years we have been excellent stewards of the land,” said Mr. Riley. “Now we need public help to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and recreation offered by Sunshine Village. We ask winter enthusiasts to provide comments to Parks Canada by August 19th."
For more information, contact: Kendra Scurfield at kscurfield@skibanff.com, 403-830-7946